It’s a huge debate in tennis development circles. Which is better: Live ball or dead ball training? Chris breaks it all down on this intriguing show. You will learn the following from Chris on this program: —Live ball. What is it? —Dead Ball. What is it? —What is Magician and a Mechanic? —The Spanish Way of drilling —How games based approaches (GBA) relates to drilling philosophy —Different ways to structure lessons and classes: 1. Open-closed-open approach 2. Closed to open 3. Open to closed —H...
Sep 07, 2022•59 min
Chris discusses antiquated techniques and tactics that are sadly--frequently--being taught around the US and the world. On the show, Chris shares his insight and experience on the following topics: --Chris discusses how he builds the modern elastic forehand and how most coaches and clubs are forcing kids to be too stiff and linear --Why the forehand is the most important shot to develop in the game --Why finishing lower is better than finishing higher --How Red Orange Green (ROG) programs create...
Aug 18, 2022•1 hr 18 min
Chris discusses his study trip to Spain from June 2022 while he researched for his new book, Secrets of Spanish Tennis 2. Chris answers audience questions about Spanish tennis and junior development. Check out the following resources and projects that Chris is working on: —New Instructional DVDs coming out this fall in partnership with Championship Productions —Secrets of Spanish Tennis 2nd Edition. Spring 2023 —New book Spanish Tennis Tactics —New book Spanish Tennis Wisdom —Anatomical and Biom...
Aug 05, 2022•1 hr 9 min
Chris discusses summer camp pitfalls—common problems kids (and parents and coaches) experience at tennis camps. Chris breaks down what parents and coaches who are sending kids to summer camp need to watch out for! —Overloaded technical programs —Non-technical programs —Watered down unprofessional fitness —Coach to student ratios —Coach quality —Famous celebrity camps —Large camps —Psychology programs Learn some of the inside information on how to navigate the summer camp scene. Additionally, Chr...
May 10, 2022•1 hr 2 min
Youtube link: https://youtu.be/Pr0YI4oKQQo On our 60th program, Chris discusses the prevalence of shorter and shorter set and match formats in junior tennis and the concerns he has about this trend. Chris talks about the positive and negative aspects of short and long set and scoring formats and gives important recommendations to the audience about how to structure both training and competition for juniors who are trying to reach an elite level. On the show Chris also covers the following topics...
Mar 30, 2022•46 min
Chris discusses his thoughts as a parent, coach, and junior developer relating to the movie King Richard. There are many thought-provoking subjects raised in the film. On the show Chris discuss the following: —Discrepancies in the film. How accurate is the movie? —Rick Macci’s decision to bankroll the Williams family. The details of the deal and how it fell apart at the end of the relationship. —What are the ways to develop a champion from a coach’s perspective? —What are the roles a parent can ...
Feb 09, 2022•56 min
Chris explains key concepts in footwork and positioning the Spanish Way and discusses how to teach on the rise and on the fall movement. Learn why orange ball tennis inhibits learning world-class movement. Why the X drill is so important philosophically. Why on-the-rise is important but not the best way to start developmental juniors. And much more!
Dec 18, 2021•44 min
In this episode of The Prodigy Maker Show, Chris discusses the Spanish Way to attack the net. Learn how one of the top developmental coaches in the world teaches the volley and transition game. In Spain, the coaches typically teach going to the net in a conservative and cautious way and with some unique strategy elements. Chris also busts a lot of myths that he commonly sees regarding net play and the transition game. Many coaches are teaching a very outdated style of approaching the net. Chris ...
Dec 03, 2021•1 hr
Chris discuss Moonballers and moonballing. He addresses the recent controversy about moonballing at the Little Mo Regionals and Nationals and gives his perspective on this commonly used junior tennis strategy. --Is moonballing dirty tennis or honorable? --Should tourneys stop moonballing? --The good and bad about moonballing --How to stop a moonballer --The best strategy to use against a determined moonballer --What's the difference between moonballing and attacking with a heavy, high ball? --Do...
Oct 07, 2021•43 min
--We sincerely apologize for the lowered volume on this broadcast. We had some microphone issues. Please MAX your volumes and you should be able to hear the good content!-- Chris discusses the importance of cardiovascular endurance training for tennis--specifically the triathlon sports: running, biking, and swimming. The show is based on his latest acclaimed article on the same subject in New York Tennis Magazine September/October 2021 issue. Chris shares many nuggets of wisdom about the importa...
Oct 01, 2021•40 min
Chris discusses the pitfalls players, parents and coaches face when trying to build modern technique and biomechanics. Many coaches are teaching technique from 30 years ago! —Is the player motorically gifted or not? The talent level for learning a motor skill will affect the technique building process. —Does the player implicitly trust the coach? —Are parents or other coaches interfering in some way to confuse the player? —And more. In addition, Chris focuses on the vital transition period to li...
Aug 31, 2021•48 min
Episode 53 Bad Tennis Lessons We apologize for the recording quality. We were mobile and ended the show early due to poor internet connection. Still got a good 30 minutes of the show! —Show Notes— Chris discusses the myriad ways coaches give bad tennis lessons and helps parents and players to know what red flags to look out for. Chris touches on the following topics: —Red flags in Red, Orange, Green 10U group classes and privates. What to watch out for! —Red Flags everywhere: The 350 ball carts!...
May 21, 2021•31 min
Forehand folly—not forehand volley! Toni Nadal says the forehand is the most important shot in the game. Agree or disagree? Regardless, why is the forehand taught so poorly with old technique? Chris discusses outdated forehand technique and teaching methods that are driving him crazy—but making him a lot of money because he has to fix the damages constantly. Learn how to avoid learning a forehand from the 70’s or 80’s that is still (Amazingly) so commonly taught. Learn about the stories of champ...
Apr 24, 2021•47 min
Chris discusses his serve philosophy and technical system. He answers technical questions from viewers and shares his insight from years in the trenches about how to build world class mechanics on the serve. Chris also shares some memories of his early apprenticeship with legendary Israeli coach Gilad Bloom, and how Gilad helped shaped Chris's evolution as a technician. Learn Chris's unique method to building the serve, key reference points and his developmental priorities. Also learn about Chri...
Mar 11, 2021•1 hr 7 min
Necesito El Ritmo - The Importance Of Rhythm In The Spanish Method “Necesito el ritmo,”—“I need (the) rhythm”—is a common phrase heard on the tennis court in Spain, both from players and coaches. Rhythm, cadence, timing, and control are essential aspects of the Spanish style of training. Chris describes how rhythm relates to control: —Control of the body —Control of the swing and technique —Control of the feet —Control of the mind —Control of the emotions. What is rhythm and why is it important ...
Jan 31, 2021•43 min
Chris discusses his perspective on how to develop a world-class volley. The show is about philosophy and also delves into the key technical areas to develop in junior players. On the show: --Chris discusses his volley blueprint for most kids. What to prioritize and when. --Why "magicians" should be encouraged to volley more than other types of kids --The volley and net game from the perspective of the Spanish Method vis-a-vis the Israeli Method --How the Israeli volley style is different than th...
Jan 05, 2021•43 min
Curious about how the best coaches in Spain develop the volley? Secrets of Spanish Tennis author, Chris Lewit, shares his insights into developing the volley the Spanish Way, a rarely discussed topic. Chris discusses the principles and philosophy used in Spain when building the net and transition game. Chris busts myths about Spanish players and their ability at the net. Yes--Spanish players can volley well! Learn about the Spanish principles Chris has gleaned from some of the greatest tennis mi...
Dec 12, 2020•59 min
Should My Kid Play Up? Chris discusses an article he has been working on for New York Tennis Magazine. He discusses the two most common perspectives on playing up in junior tennis and shares his insight into this thorny issue. Do the best phenoms in the world always play up against older and stronger opponents? Is it possible to become a champion while playing mostly kids your age and level? Tune in to learn more. Apple Podcasts show link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-prodigy-maker-...
Nov 26, 2020•49 min
Developing Quickness and Anticipation A show full of rare insight! Chris breaks down how to analyze and build quickness and anticipation. He describes the Big 3 aspects of quickness and the three types of anticipation. Learn more about these critical elements. Chris breaks the topics down with his usual intelligent insights and simple approach. YouTube show link: https://youtu.be/QhYWm1zhQOo Show Notes: —What makes a player fast? —Why slow players can get to ever ball —Why fast runners can be sl...
Nov 02, 2020•45 min
The Dirty Tricks Department. The Top 20 Dirty Tennis Tricks Get more street-smart on the tennis court! Chris discusses common gamesmanship and cheating ploys he has seen on the junior, college, and pro circuits. His goal is to better prepare players for tennis competitions so they are ready for anything their rivals may throw at them. Show Notes: —Chris describes his new article for New York Tennis Magazine on dirty tricks in tennis. —Learn the illegal manipulation and cheating tactics to watch ...
Oct 10, 2020•1 hr 2 min
When You Are Young, Run And Don't Gun! Chris discusses the tendency of many juniors to shun running and embrace gunning shots, and how learning to love running and suffering is a critical building block in the Spanish and his developmental system. YouTube show link: https://youtu.be/B2w-vtpDRqM Show Notes: —Why running is so important to the game of tennis —Why players need to develop their love of running, chasing and hustling for balls —Why Northeastern US players often prefer to gun—hit big s...
Sep 18, 2020•55 min
All About The Return. Chris discusses how he trains the return of serve--perhaps the most undervalued and underpracticed shot in tennis. YouTube show link: https://youtu.be/WWIsztLWxeE On the show, Chris answers viewer questions and discusses the following topics: —Why the return is hard to practice and why coaches often neglect training the return —How training the return parallels training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu —Common technical areas of concern on the return —How to train the Eyes and Mind, Han...
Sep 02, 2020•1 hr 11 min
Episode 42. The Prodigy Maker Show The Dirty Tricks Department! Chris discusses common gamesmanship and manipulation tactics and how to deal with them. YouTube Show Link: https://youtu.be/FD-mbENdKxI On the show, Chris explores the following topics: --Chris tells a story about one of his players who is an amazingly clever cheater and manipulator. Learn how to avoid his ploys! --The most commonly used cheating tactics used in junior and adult tennis. Learn to be ready for these dirty tricks to pr...
Aug 16, 2020•1 hr 2 min
How To Choose The Right Summer Camp! YouTube show link: https://youtu.be/ftBn5rW398M Chris gives his insight into high performance summer tennis camps. He guides parents on how to make a good camp choice for their player. He gives an inside look at running a summer academy and describes the scams and deceptions to watch out for when looking to enroll in a camp. On the program, Chris discusses the following: --The classic bait-and-switch summer camp scam --Why the fitness trainer tells you a lot ...
Jun 03, 2020•45 min
The Future of Online Coaching Chris discusses the future of online coaching and his experiences training players remotely using Zoom. YouTube show link: https://youtu.be/vUro5SIAlTw On the show, Chris covers the following topics: --Zoom training --Different ways to train using online platforms --The best devices for home repetitions to simulate a ball machine or hand feeding. --What subjects can be realistically trained at home and through online platforms? --Review of the Eye Coach, Topspin Pro...
May 21, 2020•1 hr 3 min
Chris discusses "How much should my kid train?" He gives advice on training workloads for players of all levels, from beginner to elite. YouTube show link: https://youtu.be/Vo1GHH2Fjuk On the show, Chris discusses the following topics: --How many hours should your player train per week in general? —How much should a 5 or 6 year old beginner play tennis? —How much should a serious 10-12 year old tournament player play? —How many hours should an elite national or international junior play? —-Chris...
May 11, 2020•1 hr 11 min
Episode 38. The Prodigy Maker Show At Home High Performance Tennis Training Youtube show link: https://youtu.be/C2DHQnheT6I —— Here is the link to purchase Eye Coach. It’s essential for home training. You can also quick order from Amazon: A ball machine in the corner of your living room! Amigos My regular students should all be using Eye Coach at home this winter. To get extra quality repetitions. I use the device at home all the time on bad weather days, and I have made a few videos to share wh...
Apr 01, 2020•53 min
Chris breaks down Online Schooling for tennis players. Is it the right fit? Is it the right time? YouTube replay link: https://youtu.be/ci7__I9coes Here is a great link to Top 50 Best Online Schools: https://thebestschools.org/rankings/best-online-high-school-diploma-programs/ Here is the link to Episode 25 which featured a great discussion on online and homeschooling: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-prodigy-maker-tennis-show/id1456148452?i=1000453985392 Episode 37. The Prodigy Maker S...
Mar 06, 2020•59 min
Episode 36. The Prodigy Maker Show. How to Find and Pick a Great Tennis Coach Original FB Show Link: https://www.facebook.com/chris.lewit/videos/2746890072025806/?d=n YouTube Show Link: https://youtu.be/7Swh7vdjVWw Finding and choosing the right coach can be very tricky indeed. Don’t miss this insightful episode. Chris dedicates this show to helping parents and players find the best coach. Coaches will learn a lot too from this discussion. On the show Chris covers the following topics: —How to f...
Mar 01, 2020•1 hr 5 min
Episode 35. The Prodigy Maker Show —How To Win More Matches At Tournaments!— Original FB Show Link: https://www.facebook.com/chris.lewit/videos/2734789033235910/?d=n Youtube Replay: https://youtu.be/6MEZ1ysilgs "My kid practices great but doesn't play matches well!" "My player lost 2-6, 2-6 but he's the better player" On the show Chris will talk about how to help players win more at tournaments. Why do some kids practice well--but then don’t perform well in competition? What are common pitfalls ...
Feb 23, 2020•1 hr 19 min
